The Tony Speech

Chris and I just got the best card from our friend Jason, who happens to be a very talented actor. His card thanks us for our friendship, for having been there for him, and for inspiring him again and again. He ends with the line – “You’re so in the Tony speech!” It made me laugh out loud. I knew what he meant.

We all need mentors, whether personal or professional. My first true Producing mentor was Rob Tapert at Renaissance Pictures. Rob never hesitated to answer my questions about how the TV business worked. As Rob’s assistant, I would get to stay on the line during many of his calls so I could take note of things I’d need to follow up on. Sometimes Rob would be getting notes from the Studio about scripts or edits of episodes. It was my first exposure to an essential part of the collaborative process, the give and take between the Studio (the buyer) and the Producer (the supplier). When Rob traveled down to New Zealand to be on set for “Hercules” and “Xena,” he took me with him, and I quickly learned how television production functioned. I was amazed at how many talents were involved in turning out the final product. Happily, those years with Rob yielded many great experiences, including some lasting friendships, a bit of writing, and even an acting role. (Amphion, the peaceful warrior. Cool!)

Over the years, various people have been generous and helpful to me, so I’m mindful to help others as well. I’ve participated in the PGA mentorship program, and on my own jobs I’ve often hired from within and trained people up. But I’ve also learned, the most accessible mentor, is the one you have inside yourself. Simply be interested in the world around you, and you’ll discover teachers everywhere. I’m fortunate enough to work with incredibly talented Showrunners, Writers and Directors, so of course I’m always watching and learning from them. But I’m also constantly learning from everyone I collaborate with – DP’s, Line Producers, Production Managers, Camera Operators, Sound Mixers, Digital Imaging Techs, (Picture, Sound and Music) Editors, Colorists and VFX Artists. They all offer me an endless supply of information that can only make me better at my current job, as well as better prepared for potentially bigger challenges down the road.

As for my traditional mentors, I would like nothing better than to be able to thank them during an awards speech one day. But just in case I never get to be “that guy” who actually steps up and gets to thank people, let me do it right here, right now…

Thank you Rob Tapert for starting me on my way, and for your blessed friendship all these years. Thank you Antonia Ellis and John Melfi for giving me the chance to learn Post Production. And thank you Irene Burns, for showing me what to do next, and for always being my biggest cheerleader. And thank you Chris, for putting up with crazy hours and limited vacation time so I can pursue my dreams! You are the best life mentor/collaborator anyone could ever ask for!

About The Author

I was raised in the Des Moines, Iowa, and had the good fortune to come out during my early days at Stanford University, which meant that I came of age in the San Francisco Bay Area, circa 1978! (That deserves two - !! ) I was thrilled to finally understand that piece of myself, and found many inspiring members within the gay community that helped me feel great about who I was. After college I moved out to New York to pursue a career as an actor.
My 20's were fairly eventful (it was the 80's in New York, mind you) but by the end of that period in my life, I was looking for a more satisfying way to work and live. When my agent and manager both started moving clients to LA, I went, happily.
Eventually I found my way into Renaissance Pictures, the production company run by Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert, where I worked on "Hercules" and "Xena." After several very cool years with them, I headed back to New York, motivated by a possible position on a gay cable network (that never happened) and a new love (that most definitely did!).
13 years later I find myself happily married to my husband Chris, working on two cool shows ("Nurse Jackie" and "Bored To Death"), and living in Chelsea with our golden retriever Jezebel.
During the summer we're lucky enough to balance our time between the Pines on Fire Island, and Ptown on Cape Cod. During those visits, Jezebel loves nothing more than to jump the waves after a ball, or chase seagulls along the beach. She's a good role model on how best to enjoy the simple pleasures, and as easy a child to raise and love as ever there was! (She is a golden, after all!)
You can reach Brad at carpenterbrad@me.com.

Get the best of arts, culture, fashion and lifestyle coverage delivered to your door four times a year

About

FourTwoNine is an up-to-the-minute men’s brand aimed at thought influencers and cultural leaders of all genders. Created by some of the industry’s most prominent writers, editors, artists and photographers, each issue of FourTwoNine highlights the latest news in culture, style, sports, technology, business and politics, while casting a spotlight on the leaders and innovators who are driving contemporary culture.